Wednesday, November 6, 2013

AM urges men to have prostate cancer check

AN ASSEMBLY Member is urging men to get a potentially life-saving health check during a month-long male cancer awareness campaign.

More than 2,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Wales, and experts predict it will be the UK’s most common cancer by 2030.

Mr Skates, Labour AM for Clwyd South, is keen for as many men as possible to get themselves checked during Movember, which last year raised £27m in the UK to fund research initiatives to combat prostate and testicular cancer.

He said: “In the UK, one in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. It is the most common cancer in men and kills more than 500 in Wales every year.Across the UK more than 100 men are diagnosed with the disease and a man dies from prostate cancer every hour – that's more than 10,000 every year.

“These facts and figures are a stark reminder of how important it is for men – especially those aged over 50 – to make sure they are regularly checked.”

Symptoms of prostate problems can include needing to urinate more often, difficulty starting to urinate, a weak flow and a feeling that your bladder has not emptied properly.

Mr Skates added: “If you are experiencing problems, or simply to put your mind at rest, contact your GP or call a specialist prostate cancer nurse in confidence on 0800 074 8383. Don’t take any chances – it’s better to be safe than sorry.”